Preventing a Second Heart Attack
Surviving a heart attack generally puts you at an increased risk of a second one. But, the danger can effectively be forestalled by following some simple lifestyle changes and taking precautionary measures. Keeping a second heart attack off could mean bringing drastic changes in your lifestyle. But these changes are in favour of your overall health and are worth making. Image: Getty
Kicking the Butt
Smoking damages your heart’s rhythm, arteries, and decreases the amount of good cholesterol in your body. No kidding, but quitting smoking can cut your risk of a second heart attack by 50 percent. That’s a huge number to ignore and therefore you must consider it. In fact, even people exposed to second hand smoke should stay away from it to prevent the recurrence of their heart attack. Image: Getty
Eating Healthy
A healthy heart results from a nutritious, well-balanced diet. You must cut down on your consumption of saturated fats because they clog the arteries resulting into a heart attack. Your diet should contain abundant foods that are high on omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, and magnesium because they help lower your blood cholesterol levels. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fishes are some examples. Image: Getty
Exercising
An exercise routine of mild physical activity for 30 minutes a day, five times a week is the sure shot mantra for a healthy living and a good heart. You can even go for 20 minutes of vigorous exercise thrice a week. Activities such as gardening, walking and performing household chores also help your heart. Daily habits that give your heart a boost are taking the stairs instead of the elevator or walking instead of travelling by car. Image: Getty
Controlling Cholesterol
High cholesterol is one of the major causes of heart attacks, being it the first or second one. If it has tricked you the last time, don’t let it cause you a second heart attack. Keep your cholesterol levels in check by consuming foods that are increase good cholesterol (HDL), being physically active, and staying away from alcohol consumption. Image: Getty
Managing Weight
Obesity again is a key risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and heart attacks. Therefore, people who are overweight are advised to shed extra kilos in order to prevent second heart attack from occurring. After losing, an optimal should be maintained according to your body mass index (BMI) to lower the risk of various health ailments, including that of heart. Image: Getty
Relieving Stress
A stressed individual is more likely to suffer a heart attack, as compared to their happy counterparts. If stress bothers you, try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, socializing, doing things that make you happy, stepping out for some fresh air once in a while. Being happy not only fights stress, but also prevents further worsening of your heart condition. Image: Getty
Getting Timely Check-ups
Along with taking all the above mentioned precautionary measures, you must stick to your medication schedule prescribed by your doctor after the first heart attack. You should regularly get your health checked so that the doctor can monitor irregularities, if any, and help you deal with them. Monitoring your heart’s functioning timely is a big step towards preventing a second heart attack. Image: Getty
